Every year foodies wait anxiously for the announcement of the coveted James Beard Foundation awards, and every year we cheer on the chefs and restaurants from Texas. The semifinalists have been released, and the Lone Star State has once again made a strong showing. Here’s where we stand so far. Finalists will be announced March 19, and the winners will be announced May 7.

Best New Restaurant
Pondicheri, Houston

Outstanding Bar Program
Anvil Bar & Refuge, Houston
The Esquire Tavern, San Antonio

Outstanding Chef
Stephan Pyles, Stephan Pyles, Dallas

Outstanding Pastry Chef
Julieta V. Adauto, Orange Peel Pastries, Cakes & More, El Paso
Philip Speer, Uchi, Austin

Outstanding Restaurateur
Nick Badovinus, Flavor Hook, Dallas
Jason Dady, Jason Dady Restaurants, San Antonio

Outstanding Service
The French Room at the Adolphus Hotel, Dallas

Outstanding Wine Program
Cafe on the Green at Four Season Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas, Irving

Rising Star Chef of the Year
Bryce Gilmore, Barley Swine, Austin
Grant Gordon, Tony’s, Houston

Best Chef, SW
Bruce Auden, Biga on the Banks, San Antonio
Bruno Davaillon, Mansion Restaurant at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas
Manabu Horiuchi, Kata Robata, Houston
Anita Jaisinghani, Indika, Houston
Maiya Keck, Maiya’s, Marfa
Hugo Ortega, Hugo’s, Houston
Paul Qui, Uchi, Austin
Teiichi Sakurai, Tei-an, Dallas